Cedar Pass Campground

Badlands National Park

Nestled among sweeping prairie grasslands with the iconic Badlands formations rising on all horizons, Cedar Pass Campground offers 96 sites that serve as your gateway to one of America's most otherworldly landscapes. Open seasonally from late March through mid-October, this campground places you within easy walking distance of Cedar Pass Lodge & Restaurant and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, making it the perfect base camp for your Badlands adventure.

Badlands National Park

Escape to true wilderness at Sage Creek Campground, a primitive, no-fee haven nestled deep in the Sage Creek Wilderness where solitude is practically guaranteed. This first-come, first-served gem rarely reaches capacity, offering adventurous campers a genuine backcountry experience accessible via the scenic Sage Creek Rim Road from either Highway 44 or Highway 240.

Badlands National Park

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND, 198 TOE RD, YANKTON, SD, 57078

Discover your perfect basecamp at Cottonwood Recreation Area, where modern comfort meets outdoor adventure along the scenic Missouri River. This beloved destination welcomes families and outdoor enthusiasts with thoughtfully designed amenities including hot shower houses and convenient electric hookups. Beyond your campsite, adventure awaits with an 18-hole disc golf course winding through cottonwood groves, a cheerful playground where children's laughter fills the air, and a peaceful fishing dock extending into Lake Yankton's calm waters. While most visitors celebrate the campground's pristine cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, some have noted occasional maintenance needs on access roads and limited camp host availability during peak times.

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Nestled within a tranquil canopy of towering Ponderosa pines at 5,000 feet elevation, Dutchman Campground offers a perfect blend of mountain serenity and lakeside adventure in the heart of Black Hills National Forest. Thoughtfully designed with spacious, well-separated sites, this haven provides both privacy and stunning glimpses of Deerfield Reservoir through the forest. As the most RV-accessible campground in the Deerfield Recreation Area, it welcomes travelers of all camping styles to experience the magic of the Black Hills.

Forest Recreation Management, Inc P.O. Box 1168 Hill City, SD 57745 USA

Nestled beneath a magnificent canopy of ancient oak and towering Ponderosa pine, Grizzly Creek Primitive Campground offers an authentic glimpse into America's outdoor heritage. The gentle murmur of Grizzly Creek provides a natural soundtrack as you settle into this timeless retreat, where original Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship remains beautifully preserved. Each campsite comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and traditional campfire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. While modern amenities like vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort, the absence of electrical hookups preserves the campground's primitive charm, inviting you to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's rhythms.

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at Bismarck Lake Campground, where towering Ponderosa pines and shimmering aspen groves create a natural sanctuary on the southeast shores of pristine Bismarck Lake. Each generously sized campsite offers its own private slice of wilderness, complete with breathtaking water views that transform from misty morning reflections to golden sunset panoramas. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, spotting diverse bird species through your binoculars, or launching your boat for a peaceful paddle, this tranquil haven invites you to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature's rhythms.

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD 57745.

Perched high above the shimmering waters of Deerfield Reservoir at 6,000 feet, Whitetail Campground offers a mountain sanctuary where time slows down and nature takes center stage. Whether you choose a lakeside site with sweeping water views or nestle into a secluded spot beneath towering ponderosa and lodgepole pines, you'll find the perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness. This high-altitude haven provides a refreshing escape from summer heat, where cool mountain breezes and pristine forest air create ideal conditions for both adventure and relaxation.

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Nestled in the heart of the legendary Black Hills National Forest, Horsethief Lake Campground offers an enchanting escape just 2 miles from the iconic Mount Rushmore. Here, beneath a canopy of towering ponderosa and lodgepole pines, you'll discover a harmonious blend of camping options—from secluded tent-only sites to convenient RV spots. The campground's tranquil atmosphere and proximity to one of America's most famous landmarks create the perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking both natural beauty and cultural exploration.

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Tucked away in the Black Hills, Bear Gulch offers something truly special: your own private camping kingdom. This exclusive group campsite grants you and your companions sole access to eight individual tent sites, creating the perfect retreat for family reunions, outdoor weddings, or adventures with friends. Perched above a secluded bay on Pactola Reservoir, this primitive paradise strikes the perfect balance between wilderness escape and creature comforts. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings, while a reliable hand pump provides fresh mountain water. As one delighted visitor put it, 'You get the entire campground to yourself and your friends!' – a rare luxury in today's crowded outdoor spaces.

2014 N. Main Street Spearfish, SD 57783

Nestled in the enchanting Little Spearfish Canyon, Timon Campground beckons adventurers with its intimate collection of seven pristine campsites. Here, where Little Spearfish Creek whispers through the valley and towering limestone cliffs paint dramatic backdrops against the sky, you'll discover a true backcountry escape. The nearby Little Spearfish Trailhead serves as your gateway to miles of breathtaking hiking adventures. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this rustic gem embraces simplicity—bring your own water and prepare for an authentic wilderness experience that reconnects you with nature's raw beauty.

Lewis and Clark Lake

Hanna Campground, South Dakota

Tucked away in the heart of Spearfish Canyon, Hanna Campground offers an intimate escape where the gentle murmur of Spearfish Creek provides nature's soundtrack to your stay. This hidden gem features just 13 sites during peak season, creating an atmosphere of peaceful seclusion that larger campgrounds simply can't match. For the adventurous souls seeking year-round wilderness experiences, walk-in tent sites remain accessible even when winter blankets the surrounding pine-covered peaks. The campground sprawls across a picturesque meadow, where wildflowers dance in summer breezes and towering mountains stand sentinel on all sides.